EVALUATION OF CROSS-REACTING ANTI-HUMAN ANTIBODIES IN THE EUTHYMIC HAIRLESS GUINEA-PIG MODEL (HGP) SUGGESTS THAT THE HGP MAY BE A MODEL FORTHE STUDY OF PROLIFERATIVE SKIN-DISEASE

Animal models have an important role in cutaneous research. The guinea pig has proven to be a useful model in a wide spectrum of these cutan eous studies; however, its usefulness is often compromised by the need for depilation. A euthymic hairless guinea pig (HGP) model avoids the problems associated with depilation. Morphologically, as in human ski n, these animals have a multi-cell-layer epidermis. Proliferation kine tic studies, as well as documentation of the degree of immunologic cro ss-reactivity between available antibodies to human cutaneous antigens , could extend the usefulness of this animal model. We performed a bat tery of anti-human antibodies on formalin fixed tissue, to a variety o f antigens present within the skin and on inflammatory cells. These in cluded CD3, UCHL-1, OPD4, L-26, KP-I, Factor XIIIa, S-100 protein, cyt okeratin (AE1, AE3 and CK1), CAM 5.2, vimentin, CD 34, Factor VIII, fi bronectin, SM actin, collagen IV, laminin, Bcl-2, p53, Ki-67, and PCNA . Cross-reacting antibodies included: CD3 S-100 protein, cytokeratin ( AE1, AE3 and CK1), vimentin, Factor VIII, SM actin, collagen IV, p53, Ki-67, and PCNA. Although this battery of antibodies is limited, the m arkedly increased staining of Ki-67 and PCNA within keratinocytes in t he epidermis as compared to normal human skin reflects a high prolifer ative rate. In addition, positive staining for p53, Ki-67, and PCNA ma y be useful in studying effects on cell cycle kinetics and apoptosis.A lthough inflammatory cells and stromal and basement membrane antibodie s showed limited cross-reactivity, these as well as the other markers used in this study, may prove useful in the HGP model. (C) 1997 Elsevi er Science Ireland Ltd.